My name is Shannon, and my experience at Dr. Kiano High School was far from what I had hoped for. The day I stepped onto the highschool for the first time, a wave of anxiety washed over me. The school was large and bustling, with students rushing to their classes, laughter ringing through the hallways, and the scent of freshly polished floors lingering in the air. At first glance, it seemed like a vibrant place filled with possibilities, but I quickly discovered that appearances can be deceiving.

As I walked through the entrance, clutching my backpack tightly, I felt like an outsider looking in. The bright colors of the school’s decorations and the cheerful atmosphere did little to ease my nerves. I...